Kuala lumpur: The groundwork for ASEAN energy integration has long been laid, but sharper focus and faster action are needed to propel renewable energy to the next level by harnessing each member’s strengths, said B. Grimm Power Public Company Ltd. B. Grimm, a multinational conglomerate rooted in Thailand for 147 years, has a strong footing in ASEAN, with operations in the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, B. Grimm chairman and chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Harald Link, pointed out that Laos has vast hydropower resources, while Malaysia has abundant solar power potential, both of which should be tapped further by establishing a stronger interconnected grid from diverse sources. Link emphasized the need for Laos to capitalize on its hydropower capability by exporting electricity to neighboring countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. However, he stressed that the realization of this potential hinges on upgrading the current grid infrastructure to facilitate energy transfer.
The interview was held after Link was awarded the Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP), which carries the title ‘Datuk Seri’, in conjunction with the 66th birthday of the Sultan of Pahang at Balai Mahkota, Istana Abdulaziz, on July 28, 2025. Link described the existing Thailand-Peninsular Malaysia interconnection, which has been operational since 2002 with a 300 MW capacity, as outdated. This interconnection currently spans approximately 110 km from a substation in Khlong Ngae, Thailand, to Gurun East in Malaysia.
Commenting on Malaysia’s role in pushing for an interconnection grid upgrade, Link highlighted that Malaysia’s Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) is advocating for the enhancement of the grid. B. Grimm has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with TNB to facilitate the purchase of hydropower from Laos. However, this agreement is contingent upon the upgrade of the ASEAN grid or the Thailand-Malaysia grid.
In 2023, TNB signed deals with three major energy players in Thailand to develop regional infrastructure for renewable energy. TNB, through its subsidiary, TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd, partnered with B. Grimm to explore collaborative opportunities for renewable power projects in Southeast Asia.
Across ASEAN, B. Grimm’s presence is notable, with solar farms operational in the Philippines and Vietnam. The company constructed the largest solar farm in Southeast Asia in 2018 and partnered with Chinese state-owned contractors to establish a second solar farm in Cambodia. In Laos, B. Grimm operates three hydropower plants that contribute to the country’s renewable energy mix.
On the ASEAN energy mix, Link proposed the construction of additional hydro plants in Laos and the establishment of a grid to transmit power, even to Malaysia. He suggested that it is more practical for countries lacking resources to purchase power rather than generate it locally, while simultaneously developing solar farms to harness Malaysia’s solar potential.
Link believes that the ASEAN Economic Community Plan should deliver tangible benefits to member countries, enabling the free movement of people and capital without territorial conflicts. He drew parallels with the European Union, highlighting the socio-economic advancements achieved through regional cooperation. Link concluded by expressing his conviction that unions like ASEAN and the EU provide significant benefits to their citizens.